Donor Process

Donor Process

After you pass the required FDA screening tests and other evaluations, we will prepare you for the stimulation phase.

Hormone Injections

You will be taking daily injections of fertility drugs (a process called induction of ovulation) such as Lupron, Menopur, Follistim, or Gonal-F provided by us to encourage the development of multiple follicles. All injections given subcutaneously (under the skin). These medications are taken in the morning and the in the evening. Instruction on injection techniques will be provided to you. You will also be told which medication to take on a daily basis.

Your progress will be determined by regular monitoring of blood levels as well as vaginal ultrasound to measure the development of follicles. At a time determined by the physician, an injection of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is given to bring the eggs to final maturity. You will undergo a procedure for egg retrieval, 32 to 36 hours after this injection. The egg retrieval is done on an outpatient basis at the center.

Egg Retrieval

You need to fast starting midnight of the day of the retrieval. The retrieval process consists of a needle passing through your vaginal wall to aspirate the ovarian follicles. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the egg retrieval and you will be asleep the whole time. The eggs are then held in an incubator until the time of insemination in the laboratory. You will be able to go home within a few hours after the procedure. Another adult must drive you home because regulations do not allow you to drive yourself after undergoing anesthetic sedation.

You will be seen one to two weeks after the retrieval to ensure you are recovering well. Additional office visits will be scheduled if needed.